Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced on Wednesday that he will offer more autonomy to the rebel region, following a conflict that has been going on for almost five months.

Poroshenko said that he will introduce a new bill early next week to give autonomy to the Ukraine's pro-Russian eastern regions.

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The president was not specific on the stipulations of the bill, but a previous peace plan proposal included joint federal and local police patrols, citizens' freedom to choose their governor and protection for the Russian language.

According to Poroshenko, despite the autonomy, the regions will still be a part of Ukraine.

However, the president refused to grant them with federalization, something that Russia and the insurgents have been pushing for, despite the implementation of cease-fire on Friday.

Meanwhile, during a televised cabinet meeting, Poroshenko said that the cease-fire agreement aims to restore Ukraine's rule over Donbas, and the areas that are currently held by the separatists.

"Ukraine has made no concessions with regard to its territorial integrity," Poroshenko said.

Ukraine and member countries of the European Union have accused Russia of backing rebels by providing vehicles, artillery and soldiers, all of which Russia has denied.

NATO said that in late August, Russia has sent about 1,000 soldiers to help the separatists fight the Ukrainian military.

In a statement, Poroshenko said that following the ceasefire agreement, 700 Ukrainians the rebels detained have been released, while about 70 percent of the Russian troops have been pulled out of the Ukraine.

He added that another 500 may be freed next week.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council spokesman Colonel Andriy Lysenko, said there were only 20 servicemen who made it home.

Meanwhile a rebel spokesman in Donetsk said a planned exchange of 36 soldiers has been delayed till Thursday because of the government.

TagsUkraine, Russia, pro-Russian separatists, World News, perto poroshenko